MADAME ESTATE--After two years as Volunteer Corps of St. Maarten VKS Commander, Antonio Roger understands the dynamics of the nineteen-year-old organisation and hopes to continue expanding it as a community-based service unit.
“The organisation is much younger now. Since I arrived we have been getting more persons being interested in serving as a VKS officer. You do not get paid, it is a voluntary job and people can really get a sense of purpose when they join this organisation. We started a class last year and we hope to finalise the class by June,” said Rogers in an interview with The Daily Herald.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a VKS officer must be a Dutch citizen and residing on the island before being considered for membership at VKS. Once a person fills in an application, a screening process will be carried out to ensure that the applicant has neither a criminal record nor a background of delinquent behaviour. Several preliminary tests and a physical and medical examination are performed after receiving written applications.
The VKS is a steppingstone for members to move into Government entities such as the House of Detention, Customs and Police. Rogers believes that when his officers come from the VKS, they would have integrity and discipline instilled in them already. He believes more young people will join VKS within a few years.
“I am looking to start two classes this year, but it is up to the number of participants and the volunteers who instruct the cadets. Special thanks to the lawyers and trainers who give their free time to teaching classes at VKS.
“Training of our organisation is not easy. Last year we started with 120 applicants; after screening 40 made it to start classes. Training exercise followed and 28 were left standing until a final 17 were set to graduate,” said Rogers. He said he had an open-door policy at the VKS; everyone was welcome.
Established on June 28, 1997, VKS was modelled after a similar organisation in Curaçao. The crime situation also has the VKS’ attention. “Crime is not only police business, but a community effort. Education and parental guidance play huge role,” Rogers said. He believes everyone in the community needs to come together and tackle crime together.
Education for the organisation, insurance and new equipment are on the forefront for 2016.
An open house will be organised soon for the public to come and see what the VKS is all about. “VKS is here to serve; we do it from the heart. Come to the office and find out more information about serving your community,” Commander Rogers concluded.
